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Mohammad Piri S, Amin Habibi M, Shool S, Khazaeli Najafabadi M, Ahmadpour S, Alemi F, Aria Nejadghaderi S, Shokri P, Abdi M, Asghari N, Amir Asef-Agah S, Tavakolpour S. Role of T follicular helper cells in autoimmune rheumatic Diseases: A systematic review on immunopathogenesis and response to treatment. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110838. [PMID: 38970880 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are a subdivision of T helper cells involved in antigen-specific B cell immunity. Tfh cells play an essential role in the interaction of T cells/B cells in the germinal centers (GC), and dysregulation of Tfh actions can offer pathogenic autoantibody formation and lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. This study seeks to evaluate changes in Tfh frequency and its related cytokines in autoimmune disease, its association with disease phase, severity, prognosis, and the effect of immunosuppressive treatment on the Tfh population. METHOD The study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 Statement. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, were systematically searched for potentially eligible studies up to January 1, 2024. RESULTS We identified 4998 articles in the initial search, from which 1686 similar titles were removed. A total of 3312 articles were initially screened, and 3051 articles were excluded by title/abstract screening. A total of 261 studies were considered for full-text assessment, and 205 articles were excluded by reason. Finally, a total of 56 studies were included in our review. CONCLUSION The population of Tfh cells is generally higher in autoimmune diseases versus Health control. Moreover, the number of Tfh cells is associated with the disease severity and can be considered for determining the prognosis of studies. Also, peripheral blood circulating Tfh (cTfh) cells are an available sample that can be used as an indicator for diagnosing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Piri
- Department of Pathology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Amin Habibi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sina Shool
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Sajjad Ahmadpour
- Patient Safety Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Fakhroddin Alemi
- School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Pourya Shokri
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohtaram Abdi
- Student Research Committe, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bonjnurd, Iran.
| | - Negin Asghari
- Student Research Committe, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bonjnurd, Iran.
| | - Seyed Amir Asef-Agah
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Zhang P, Su Y, Li S, Chen H, Wu R, Wu H. The roles of T cells in psoriasis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1081256. [PMID: 37942312 PMCID: PMC10628572 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1081256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is a recurring inflammatory skin condition characterized by scaly, red patches on the skin. It affects approximately 3% of the US population and is associated with histological changes such as epidermal hyperplasia, increased blood vessel proliferation, and infiltration of leukocytes into the skin's dermis. T cells, which are classified into various subtypes, have been found to play significant roles in immune-mediated diseases, particularly psoriasis. This paper provides a review of the different T lymphocyte subtypes and their functions in psoriasis, as well as an overview of targeted therapies for treating psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ruifang Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Tian Y, Zeng Q, Cheng Y, Wang XH, Cao D, Yeung WSB, Liu Q, Duan YG, Yao YQ. Follicular helper T lymphocytes in the endometria of patients with reproductive failure: Association with pregnancy outcomes and inflammatory status of the endometria. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023:e13708. [PMID: 37095737 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The phenotypes and functions of B and CD4+ T-helper cell subsets during chronic inflammation of the endometria remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and functions of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells to understand the pathological mechanisms of chronic endometritis (CE). METHOD OF STUDY Eighty patients who underwent hysteroscopic and histopathological examinations for CE were divided into three groups-those with positive results for hysteroscopy and CD138 staining (DP), negative results for hysteroscopy but positive CD138 staining (SP), and negative results for hysteroscopy and CD138 staining (DN). The phenotypes of B cells and CD4+ T-cell subsets were analyzed using flow cytometry. RESULTS CD38+ and CD138+ cells were mainly expressed in the non-leukocyte population of the endometria, and the endometrial CD19+ CD138+ B cells were fewer than the CD3+ CD138+ T cells. The percentage of Tfh cells increased with chronic inflammation in the endometria. Additionally, the elevated percentage of Tfh cells correlated with the number of miscarriages. CONCLUSIONS CD4+ T cells, particularly Tfh cells, may be critical in chronic endometrial inflammation and affect its microenvironment, thereby regulating endometrial receptivity, compared to B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qunxiong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanfei Cheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dandan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William Shu-Biu Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingzhi Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuan-Qing Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Pan M, Zhao H, Jin R, Leung PSC, Shuai Z. Targeting immune checkpoints in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies associated vasculitis: the potential therapeutic targets in the future. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1156212. [PMID: 37090741 PMCID: PMC10115969 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1156212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV) is a necrotizing vasculitis mainly involving small blood vessels. It is demonstrated that T cells are important in the pathogenesis of AAV, including regulatory T cells (Treg) and helper T cells (Th), especially Th2, Th17, and follicular Th cells (Tfh). In addition, the exhaustion of T cells predicted the favorable prognosis of AAV. The immune checkpoints (ICs) consist of a group of co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules expressed on the surface of T cells, which maintains a balance between the activation and exhaustion of T cells. CD28, inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS), OX40, CD40L, glucocorticoid induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR), and CD137 are the common co-stimulatory molecules, while the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated molecule 4 (CTLA-4), T cell immunoglobulin (Ig) and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3), B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), T-cell Ig and ITIM domain (TIGIT), CD200, and lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) belong to co-inhibitory molecules. If this balance was disrupted and the activation of T cells was increased, autoimmune diseases (AIDs) might be induced. Even in the treatment of malignant tumors, activation of T cells by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) may result in AIDs known as rheumatic immune-related adverse events (Rh-irAEs), suggesting the importance of ICs in AIDs. In this review, we summarized the features of AAV induced by immunotherapy using ICIs in patients with malignant tumors, and then reviewed the biological characteristics of different ICs. Our aim was to explore potential targets in ICs for future treatment of AAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglu Pan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huanhuan Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ruimin Jin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Patrick S. C. Leung
- Division of Rheumatology/Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Zongwen Shuai, ; Patrick S. C. Leung,
| | - Zongwen Shuai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Zongwen Shuai, ; Patrick S. C. Leung,
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Jia X, Zhu H, Jiang Q, Gu J, Yu S, Chi X, Wang R, Shan Y, Jiang H, Ma X. Identification of key genes and imbalance of immune cell infiltration in immunoglobulin A associated vasculitis nephritis by integrated bioinformatic analysis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1087293. [PMID: 37026011 PMCID: PMC10070996 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1087293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background IgAV, the most common systemic vasculitis in childhood, is an immunoglobulin A-associated immune complex-mediated disease and its underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. This study attempted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and find dysregulated immune cell types in IgAV to find the underlying pathogenesis for IgAVN. Methods GSE102114 datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify DEGs. Then, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs was constructed using the STRING database. And key hub genes were identified by cytoHubba plug-in, performed functional enrichment analyses and followed by verification using PCR based on patient samples. Finally, the abundance of 24 immune cells were detected by Immune Cell Abundance Identifier (ImmuCellAI) to estimate the proportions and dysregulation of immune cell types within IgAVN. Result A total of 4200 DEGs were screened in IgAVN patients compared to Health Donor, including 2004 upregulated and 2196 downregulated genes. Of the top 10 hub genes from PPI network, STAT1, TLR4, PTEN, UBB, HSPA8, ATP5B, UBA52, and CDC42 were verified significantly upregulated in more patients. Enrichment analyses indicated that hub genes were primarily enriched in Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor signaling pathway, and Th17 signaling pathways. Moreover, we found a diversity of immune cells in IgAVN, consisting mainly of T cells. Finally, this study suggests that the overdifferentiation of Th2 cells, Th17 cells and Tfh cells may be involved in the occurrence and development of IgAVN. Conclusion We screened out the key genes, pathways and maladjusted immune cells and associated with the pathogenesis of IgAVN. The unique characteristics of IgAV-infiltrating immune cell subsets were confirmed, providing new insights for future molecular targeted therapy and a direction for immunological research on IgAVN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianxian Jia
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qinglian Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of General Pediatrics, Zhongshan City People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Gu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shihan Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuyang Chi
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Shan
- First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoxue Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology and Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- *Correspondence: Xiaoxue Ma,
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Xu L, Li Y, Wu X. IgA vasculitis update: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and biomarkers. Front Immunol 2022; 13:921864. [PMID: 36263029 PMCID: PMC9574357 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.921864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV), formerly known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is the most common systemic vasculitis in children, characterized by diverse clinical manifestations with a wide spectrum ranging from isolated cutaneous vasculitis to systemic involvement. The incidence of IgAV is geographically and ethnically variable, with a prevalence in autumn and winter, suggesting a driving role that genetic and environmental factors play in the disease. Although IgAV has a certain degree of natural remission, it varies widely among individuals. Some patients can suffer from severe renal involvement and even progress to end-stage renal disease. Its pathogenesis is complex and has not been fully elucidated. The formation of galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) and related immune complexes plays a vital role in promoting the occurrence and development of IgAV nephritis. In addition, neutrophil activation is stimulated through the binding of IgA to the Fc alpha receptor I expressed on its surface, resulting in systemic vascular inflammation and tissue damage. Starting from the epidemiological characteristics, this article will review the role of immunological factors such as Gd-IgA1, autoantibodies, circulating immune complexes, complement system, cellular immunization, and the contributions of environmental and genetic factors in the pathogenesis of IgAV, and conclude with the major biomarkers for IgAV.
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Yang X, Tang X, Li T, Man C, Yang X, Wang M, Zhang G, Chen Y, Yang H, Li Q. Circulating follicular T helper cells are possibly associated with low levels of serum immunoglobulin G due to impaired immunoglobulin class-switch recombination of B cells in children with primary nephrotic syndrome. Mol Immunol 2019; 114:162-170. [PMID: 31352232 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Clinically, most patients with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) have low serum IgG levels, which is an important factor in infection and in PNS relapse.To some extent, the mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the pathogenesis of the decreased IgG levels in PNS. Peripheral blood was collected from patients with PNS and closely age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. The frequency, phenotype and molecular function of different circulating B cell and T follicular helper cell (TFH) subsets were examined by flow cytometry. The function of the CD40/CD40 L interaction in immunoglobulin class-switch recombination (CSR) was evaluated by assessing the induction of activation-induced deaminase (AID) expression with CD40 L stimulation. We revealed an increase in the levels of circulating total plasmablasts, plasma cells and mature-naive B cells and a decrease in the levels of germinal centre-like B cells and CD19+IgG+ B cells in PNS. In addition, although the expression of CD86 on the surface of B cells and the expression of the inducible costimulator (ICOS) on the surface of TFH cells both were increased, the expression of CD40 L on the surface of TFH cells was decreased. Moreover, upon stimulation with CD40 L in vitro, the mRNA expression of AID in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was decreased in patients with PNS compared with that in healthy controls. Our results indicate that the immunoglobulin CSR of B cells was partly dysfunctional and provide insights into the potential involvement of impaired TFH cell-dependent B cell responses in the pathogenesis of low IgG levels through downregulating CD40 L expression on TFH cells in PNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Yang
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Tang
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting Li
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Changming Man
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuejun Yang
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mo Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Second Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Gaofu Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Second Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Yaxi Chen
- Centre for Lipid Research & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Haiping Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Second Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.
| | - Qiu Li
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Second Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.
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Dai L, He L, Wang Z, Bai X, He Y, Cao L, Zhu M, Ruan C. Altered circulating T follicular helper cells in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:2471-2477. [PMID: 30186484 PMCID: PMC6122441 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to illuminate the role of circulating T follicular helper (TFH) cells in patients diagnosed with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (cITP). Fifty-four patients with cITP and 30 age-matched healthy control subjects were enrolled in the present study. TFH cell frequencies, expression of CD4+ TFH cell-associated cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-21 and associated regulatory mRNA expression levels including Bcl-6, c-Maf, Blimp-1 and PD-1 pre- and post-treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids, were detected by flow cytometry, ELISA and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. TFH cell frequencies of patients were significantly higher compared with healthy controls pre-treatment (P<0.05). Following treatment, significantly decreased percentages of TFH cells were present in cITP responders (P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that the number of TFH cells was negatively correlated with the platelet count in the peripheral blood. Furthermore, analysis of inflammatory cytokines indicated significant differences in serum interleukin (IL)-21 and IL-10 between pretreated patients and healthy controls (P<0.05). Additionally, transcription factor B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-6, c-Maf and programmed death-ligand (PD)-1 mRNA expression levels were significantly different between cITP patients prior to treatment and the healthy controls (P<0.05). However, the expression levels of Bcl-6, C-Maf and PD-1 mRNA were significantly changed post-treatment (P<0.05). These data demonstrated that circulating TFH cells and CD4+ TFH cell-associated cytokines may serve a role in cITP. The findings suggest that the overactivation of TFH cells may contribute to the immunopathogenesis of cITP, thus blocking the pathway of TFH cells may be reasonable for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Dai
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Linyan He
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoyue Wang
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Xia Bai
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Yang He
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Cao
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Mingqing Zhu
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Changgeng Ruan
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
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Gensous N, Charrier M, Duluc D, Contin-Bordes C, Truchetet ME, Lazaro E, Duffau P, Blanco P, Richez C. T Follicular Helper Cells in Autoimmune Disorders. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1637. [PMID: 30065726 PMCID: PMC6056609 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are a distinct subset of CD4+ T lymphocytes, specialized in B cell help and in regulation of antibody responses. They are required for the generation of germinal center reactions, where selection of high affinity antibody producing B cells and development of memory B cells occur. Owing to the fundamental role of Tfh cells in adaptive immunity, the stringent control of their production and function is critically important, both for the induction of an optimal humoral response against thymus-dependent antigens but also for the prevention of self-reactivity. Indeed, deregulation of Tfh activities can contribute to a pathogenic autoantibody production and can play an important role in the promotion of autoimmune diseases. In the present review, we briefly introduce the molecular factors involved in Tfh cell formation in the context of a normal immune response, as well as markers associated with their identification (transcription factor, surface marker expression, and cytokine production). We then consider in detail the role of Tfh cells in the pathogenesis of a broad range of autoimmune diseases, with a special focus on systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as on the other autoimmune/inflammatory disorders. We summarize the observed alterations in Tfh numbers, activation state, and circulating subset distribution during autoimmune and some other inflammatory disorders. In addition, central role of interleukin-21, major cytokine produced by Tfh cells, is discussed, as well as the involvement of follicular regulatory T cells, which share characteristics with both Tfh and regulatory T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Gensous
- ImmunoConcept, UMR-CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Manon Charrier
- ImmunoConcept, UMR-CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Dorothée Duluc
- ImmunoConcept, UMR-CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | - Estibaliz Lazaro
- ImmunoConcept, UMR-CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Duffau
- ImmunoConcept, UMR-CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Patrick Blanco
- ImmunoConcept, UMR-CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christophe Richez
- ImmunoConcept, UMR-CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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Li T, Shi Y, Sun W, Wang H, Wang Q, Jiang Y. Increased PD-1 +CD154 + Tfh cells are possibly the most important functional subset of PD-1 + T follicular helper cells in adult patients with minimal change disease. Mol Immunol 2017; 94:98-106. [PMID: 29288900 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, especially programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)+ Tfh cells, exert important functions in the normal immune response. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of different subsets of PD-1+ Tfh cells and their functional effects in adult patients with minimal change disease (MCD). The frequencies of circulating PD-1+, PD-1+CD154+, and PD-1+interleukin (IL)-21+ Tfh cells, and CD38+CD19+ and CD38+CD19+CD40+ B cells, as well as serum IL-2, IL-4, IL-17A, IL-6, IL-21, and interferon (IFN)-γ were significantly increased in the MCD patients compared with the healthy controls (HCs) (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found in PD-1+BCL-6+ or PD-1+ICOS+ Tfh cells. Furthermore, the percentages of PD-1+ Tfh and PD-1+CD154+ Tfh cells were negatively correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), but positively correlated with the 24-h urinary protein concentration and serum IL-21 level. The percentages of PD-1+ Tfh and PD-1+CD154+ Tfh cells were positively correlated with the percentages of CD38+ plasma cells and active CD38+CD40+ plasma cells, respectively. After an 8-12-week treatment with prednisolone, the percentages of PD-1+, PD-1+CD154+, and PD-1+IL-21+ Tfh cells as well as the serum level of IL-21 were significantly reduced; in contrast, the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were increased (P < 0.05). We conclude that increased PD-1+CD154+ Tfh cells are possibly the most important functional subset of PD-1+ Tfh cells and may contribute towards the pathogenesis of MCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Yunpeng Shi
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Weixia Sun
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Haifeng Wang
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Quan Wang
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Yanfang Jiang
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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Zhu X, Zhang M, Lan F, Wei H, He Q, Li S, Qin X. The relationship between red cell distribution width and the risk of Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis. Br J Biomed Sci 2017; 75:30-35. [PMID: 28990845 DOI: 10.1080/09674845.2017.1368184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is elevated in various inflammatory diseases, but its clinical significance in Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) in unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the value of RDW as a risk factor or marker for HSPN in children. METHODS This was a case-control study of 105 Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) patients, 120 HSPN patients and 192 healthy controls. The relationship between RDW-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV) and the clinical characteristics of HSPN patients was determined by a multiple logistic regression analysis (MVLRA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to compare the diagnostic potential of the RDW-CV, a panel of routine markers and combinations of these indices. RESULTS The RDW-CV values were significantly higher in the HSPN group than the HSP group and controls (P < 0.001). Significant correlations were found between RDW-CV and ESR (P = 0.001). A combination of RDW-CV and ESR in a ROC curve showed 80% sensitivity and 84.9% specificity in the HSP patients, and 85.8% sensitivity and 93.8% specificity in the HSPN patients. The MVLRA revealed that RDW-CV (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.16-2.48, P = 0.007) was an independent predictor of HSPN. CONCLUSIONS The RDW levels were highest in the HPSN group, suggesting that RDW, especially the combination of RDW and ESR, may have value when assessing the risk of HSPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zhu
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory , Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital , Nanning , China
| | - M Zhang
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory , Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital , Nanning , China
| | - F Lan
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory , Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital , Nanning , China
| | - H Wei
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory , Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital , Nanning , China
| | - Q He
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory , Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital , Nanning , China
| | - S Li
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory , Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital , Nanning , China
| | - X Qin
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory , Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital , Nanning , China
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Activated Circulating T Follicular Helper Cells Are Associated with Disease Severity in Patients with Psoriasis. J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:7346030. [PMID: 27774460 PMCID: PMC5059604 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7346030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating T follicular helper (cTfh) cells are known to be involved in numerous immune-mediated diseases, but their pathological role in psoriasis is less fully investigated. Herein, we aimed to identify whether cTfh cells contributed to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The frequency and function of cTfh cells were compared between patients with psoriasis vulgaris and healthy controls, and the infiltration of Tfh cells was detected between lesional and nonlesional skin tissues of psoriasis patients. Moreover, the dynamic change of cTfh cells before and after acitretin treatment was evaluated. Our results showed both increased frequency and activation (indicated by higher expression of ICOS, PD-1, HLA-DR, and Ki-67 and increased production of IL-21, IL-17, and IFN-γ) of cTfh cells in psoriasis patients. Compared with nonlesional skin tissues of psoriasis patients, the number of infiltrated Tfh cells was significantly increased in psoriasis lesions. In addition, positive correlations between the percentage of cTfh, functional markers on cTfh cells in peripheral blood and disease severity were noted. Furthermore, the frequency of cTfh cells and the levels of cytokines secreted by cTfh cells were all significantly decreased after 1-month treatment.
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Altered circulating T follicular helper cell subsets in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Immunol Lett 2016; 181:101-108. [PMID: 27662792 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Circulating T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in the blood are counterparts to conventional Tfh cells in germinal centres. Similarly to conventional Tfh cells, circulating Tfh cells provide helpful signals for B cells. Circulating Tfh cells can be divided into three subpopulations, including Tfh17 (CXCR3-CCR6+), Tfh1 (CXCR3+CCR6-), and Tfh2 (CXCR3-CCR6-) cells, based on differences in CXCR3 and CCR6 expression. Recent studies have demonstrated that alterations in circulating Tfh cell subsets have significant effects on the progression of numerous autoimmune diseases. To address the role of circulating Tfh cells in psoriasis, we used flow cytometry to analyse frequencies of circulating Tfh cell subsets and levels of IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) expression on B cells in 32 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 13 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. We observed dynamic changes in Tfh17 cell frequency and disease severity in 10 psoriasis patients during a 6-month treatment. Our results demonstrate that the frequency of Tfh17 cells was significantly increased in psoriasis patients and was positively correlated with psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score, a marker of disease severity (P<0.05). During the follow-up period, the frequencies of Tfh17 cells decreased, and reductions in PASI scores were observed. Moreover, IL-21R expression on B cells was significantly increased in patients with psoriasis vulgaris (P<0.05). Interestingly, IL-21R levels on B cells were correlated with both PASI score and the frequency of Tfh17 cells (P<0.05). In conclusion, this study is the first investigation of the distribution of circulating Tfh subsets in psoriasis. These results deepen our understanding of the immune state of psoriasis patients. Our data also indicate that Tfh17 cells may not be good biomarkers for diagnosing psoriasis but may be potential biomarkers of disease severity in psoriasis.
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